It’s Time To Consider Getting Boise River Flood Insurance!
We’ve had a very robust winter with lots of snow, and we’re having a wet Spring season.
Our above average snowpack in the mountains, combined with a very wet Spring, once again poses the risk of downstream flooding.
Several nearby areas have already experienced flooding and mudslide damage to major highways so far this Spring.
Boise River Flood Control
We have three upstream reservoirs that were built to provide irrigation water to the Treasure Valley and avoid downstream flood damage:
- Lucky Peak Reservoir.
- Arrowrock
- Anderson Ranch Reservoir
Our federal water managers perform a delicate, precise dance every Spring as they balance the need to store precious irrigation water for downstream farms vs. avoiding high river flows that can cause flooding.
At this point, our three reservoirs should be able to handle the runoff, but every year brings flood risk as our water managers balance retaining irrigation water vs. avoiding flooding.
In recent years, the Boise River has flooded the warehouse district of Garden City and eroded numerous sections of the greenbelt.
In 2017, flood waters damaged the Plantation Island bridge, requiring its removal when the bridge foundations were damaged by high water levels.
(image credit: IdahoPress.com)
At that time, officials were concerned that the bridge could be swept downstream and cause catastrophic damage.
That bridge was recently restored to its former location at a cost of $200,000.
As I write this, portions of the Boise River Greenbelt are under water.
Flood Insurance Information
If your home is near the Boise River, especially in the Eagle area, you should consider getting flood insurance.
The cost is reasonable, especially when you consider the risks and potential losses involved.
Federal flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period, so don’t procrastinate!
You can get more information about flood insurance from the FEMA website, or from your homeowner’s insurance agent.
